BTW the #137 is the projected national rank of the team
http://www.collegehoopsnet.com/preview/2005/137.htm#137 Montana State Bobcats
Big Sky
2004-05: 14-14, 9-5, 2nd
2004-05 postseason: none
By Joel Welser
Last season was supposed to be a rebuilding year for Coach Mick Durham and Montana State. The Bobcats instead went 9-5 in the conference which earned Durham the conference Coach of the Year award. All five starters return, as well as a host of roleplayers, making Montana State suddenly the team to beat in the Big Sky.
Who’s Out: The Bobcats lose a couple of frontcourt players that provided some key depth off the bench. Center Matt Towsley played in only nine games, averaging 4.4 points per outing. Dennis Woodall saw action in 23 games, scoring 2.2 points and grabbing 2.0 boards per contest.
Who’s In: Depth won’t be a problem in the backcourt with the addition of junior college transfer Derrick Edmonds. The 6-1 shooting guard averaged 20.1 points last year at Los Medanos College in California. He will immediately provide a long distance threat for the Bobcats. Jacques Wilson can play either guard position but will most likely be a point guard in Bozeman. Forward Branden Johnson and center Chawn Johnson will provide some needed depth to the frontcourt. Branden plays big inside, but can also step outside from behind the arc. Chawn has loads of potential, but is most likely a year away from seeing major minutes as he develops behind probable starting center Alioune Beye and fellow newcomer Ted Morris. Morris, a transfer from Indiana State, started five games for Indiana State two years ago and will compete for a starting role from day one at Montana State.
Who to Watch: Ja’Ron Jefferson, Marvin Moss and Branden Miller all averaged between 12 and 13 points as juniors. As seniors this trio will be looked upon to lead the Bobcats to the NCAA Tournament. Jefferson averaged 12.9 points and 4.1 rebounds. Miller, the point guard, averaged 12.2 points and 3.1 assists last year. Moss led the team with 7.1 rebounds per contest and added 12.2 points.
Projected Conference Rank: Interstate rival Montana knocked off the Bobcats last year in the Big Sky Tournament and Portland State won the regular season. Both of those squads will again be talented, but the Bobcats should be able to pull off a 1st place finish and reach the big dance.
Projected Post-season Tournament: NCAA
Projected Starting Five:
Ja’Ron Jefferson, Senior, Guard, 12.9 points per game
Branden Miller, Senior, Guard, 12.2 points per game
Marvin Moss, Senior, Forward, 12.2 points per game
Nick Dissly, Junior, Forward, 9.4 points per game
Alioune Beye, Senior, Center, 8.5 points per game